How2Day: Things to Do With a Pocket Projector

The pocket projector may make the table-top projector a thing of the past. projector ready for presentation image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
A pocket, or "pico," projector is a miniature digital device that projects multimedia from internal memory or a variety of external sources. As of 2010, both academics and electronics companies are researching potential uses for pocket projectors and expect miniature projection technology to be integrated into mobile devices including digital cameras and smartphones.

Pocket projectors can be used for business presentations from conference appearances to routine meetings and sales calls. Some pocket projectors can read and project PDF, JPG, and MS Office document formats including PowerPoint presentations. Pocket projectors play audio through internal speakers or audio output jacks. Current offerings also include internal memory for storing files to be projected and multiple inputs to connect them to computers, DVD players, cameras, smartphones and other source devices.

Pocket projectors can project video files encoded in common formats, making them ideal for viewing home video on the go, or even fair-use eligible screenings of commercially released films. Keep in mind that battery life limits projection time and that an AC adapter may be necessary for longer screenings.

Some pocket projector models come with built-in inputs for common smartphones. In many cases, manufacturers sell smartphone adapters or connection cables separately. With any of these options, you can project photos and video stored on your smartphone or stream to it via Internet connection.

Any pocket projector with a headphone jack and internal memory can double as a portable MP3 player. Many of these devices are already small enough to fit in a pocket, and as DLP technology develops and the trend of computer chip miniaturization continues, they will only get smaller.

Though pocket projectors' resolution limits maximum image size, their ability to project feeds from laptops or video mixing systems makes them useful as display devices in a live video mixing signal chain for DJ, veejay and live music performances.

Video artists have begun to explore the potential of pocket projectors for creative expression, especially in the realm of installation art. Their small size and self-contained nature means that any space can be a potential venue for projection, regardless of the equipment already available on site. Related applications include wall projections for theater performances or party ambiance.

How2Day